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Government in South Africa is divided into three spheres: Local, Provincial and National. Each sphere's responsibilities are outlined in the Constitution. National government makes laws and sets policies for the whole country. It also provides certain services (e.g. issuing of ID books).

Provincial government can make and administer provincial laws in its areas of jurisdiction (e.g. liquor licences, provincial planning, cultural matters, recreation, roads and traffic). It shares certain areas with national government, such as health, education and social services.

Local governments' role includes local service delivery, promoting a safe and healthy environment, and promoting development.

Governments have a political and an administrative arm. The political arm creates the laws and policies. Citizens elect representatives to the national parliament, the provincial parliament and the local councils. The Administrative arm is the part of government that implements laws and provides services. It consists of all the Departments (e.g. Health, Agriculture). The governments that are relevant to the Western Cape are:

NATIONAL

The Government of South Africa

PROVINCIAL

Provincial Government of the Western Cape

LOCAL

The content on this page was last updated on 6 September 2005

Cape Gateway is a government service aimed primarily at citizens of the Western Cape, providing information on local, provincial and national government